Commercial low-slope roofs are a common choice for many businesses due to their practicality and cost-efficiency. However, like any roofing system, low-slope roofs may require repairs over time.
The good news is that cost-effective solutions can help business owners like yourself address these issues without breaking the bank. When it's time to get an expert on-site to take care of the nitty-gritty details of keeping your roof in tip-top shape, we want to help you understand what to ask for to yield the best results.
In this blog, we'll review and discuss our top five cost-effective solutions for commercial low-slope roof repairs, providing you with practical insights to make informed decisions. By the time you've reached the end of the blog, you'll feel much more confident interacting with a roofer and know what to look for regarding repair services. Continue reading for some of our most valuable tips.
1. Regular Roof Inspections
Like all other building components, roofs need to be inspected regularly to determine the best remedy for the issues they face.
Detecting issues early on is crucial in identifying potential problems before they escalate, saving time and money. When a trained and skilled roofer conducts inspections, they'll often discover underlying issues that haven't yet surfaced but could be about to cause a significant headache.
Here are some key points to consider when it comes to inspections:
- Hire a professional roofing contractor for thorough inspections.
- Inspect the roof's membrane, flashings, drains, and other components.
- Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, blistering, or pooling water.
- Identify areas prone to leaks and potential future issues.
- Address minor repairs promptly to prevent more significant problems.
While commercial low-slope roofs are among the most durable, they aren't immune to breakage and wear and tear. Stay ahead of costly repairs by getting a competent contractor to inspect your roof regularly.
2. Targeted Patching and Sealant Application
Fixing small damages as they arise is the best remedy and most cost-effective strategy to maintain the integrity of your roof. Targeted patching and sealant are great solutions for minor damages, being an affordable and swift solution when you rely on an experienced roofer to do it for you.
Here is what a roofer will do during the patching and sealing process:
- Identify areas with cracks, punctures, or localized damage.
- Clean and prepare the damaged area before applying patches or sealants.
- Use appropriate materials, such as asphalt-based patching compounds or elastomeric sealants.
- Ensure proper adhesion and waterproofing.
If necessary, the roofer will recommend regularly monitoring the newly patched areas for signs of deterioration and addressing any concerns promptly, should they occur.
3. Low-Slope Roof Coating Applications
Roof coatings are another highly recommended, cost-effective repair solution because they enhance durability and energy efficiency.
Choosing a coating that matches your roof's material and specific requirements is essential when considering roof coatings. Popular options and some of our top picks include acrylic, silicone, or elastomeric coatings. But for best results, we recommend leaving the selection and application process to the pros.
Before a roofer applies the coating, they thoroughly clean the roof surface to ensure proper adhesion and performance. If this step is skipped, it defeats the purpose, so we encourage you to ensure it's completed. After deep cleaning, the coating will be applied with a proper technique to achieve optimal results.
You might be wondering how applying a coating is conducive to cost-effective repairs, and the answer is simple. High-grade coatings are explicitly created to extend the lifespan of your roof, reducing the need for major repairs or premature replacements. Simply put, it's a minor preventative step that protects your low-slope roof from costly damage.
4. Drainage Improvements
Proper drainage is vital for commercial low-slope roofs to prevent water damage and pooling. Here are the different types of drainage systems a low-slope roof will be connected to:
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- Scuppers
- Internal drains
- Roof crickets or saddles
If your roof has one or more of these systems installed, it's essential that you have them inspected annually. If you don't, you'll likely eventually face costly flooding and deterioration issues.
When you hire an expert roofer to conduct a plan for drainage improvements, here are the steps they'll take during the process:
- Inspect and clean gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems regularly.
- Ensure the roof has an adequate slope to promote proper water runoff.
- Install additional drains or scuppers if necessary.
- Consider using roof crickets or saddles to divert water away from low spots.
- Address any drainage issues promptly to prevent water-related roof damage.
Don't Leave Your Roofing Repairs Up to Chance
As we demonstrated in this blog, commercial low-slope roof repairs don't have to be costly for your business. By implementing cost-effective solutions such as the ones we touched on above, you can address issues promptly and extend the lifespan of your roof while keeping expenses in check.
Remember, investing in preventive measures and timely repairs can save you significant amounts of money in the long run. So, prioritize your roof's health and consult professional roofing experts to determine what is best for your situation.
If you enjoyed what you read and would like to learn more about our comprehensive roofing services at JD Coatings, don't hesitate to contact us at (330) 763-1366 or visit our website.